NTT DoCoMo Acquires Orix Credit

TOKYO, Mar 07 (News On Japan) - NTT Docomo has announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Orix Credit, a subsidiary of the financial services giant Orix Corporation.

Amid intensifying competition among major mobile carriers to create enclosed economic ecosystems, the company aims to strengthen its financial services business, including unsecured personal loans. According to the announcement, NTT Docomo will acquire 66% of the shares of Orix Credit and will make it a subsidiary by the end of this month.

Orix Credit specializes in personal loans, housing loans, and other services. Docomo plans to enhance its financial services business, including unsecured personal loans offered through smartphone apps, a venture it began in 2022.

Toshihiro Eto, the Chief of NTT Docomo's Smart Life Company, stated in a press conference, "We aim to have our customers use a wider range of financial services, including investments, loans, and insurance." Other major mobile carriers, such as KDDI and Rakuten, are already offering various financial services within their groups, including banking, securities, and insurance.

Docomo has been rapidly strengthening its financial business, having made Monex Securities a subsidiary in January of this year, intensifying the competition to create what is referred to as "economic spheres."

Source: NHK

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Japan's GDP grows for second successive quarter

New government data show Japan's GDP grew for the second consecutive quarter in the three months through September. (NHK)

Uber Eats Starts Nighttime Robot Deliveries in Osaka

Uber Eats, a major online delivery service, announced on the 13th that it will begin robotic deliveries in select areas of Osaka starting on October 14th. This service, utilizing AI-driven autonomous robots, aims to address the ongoing delivery labor shortage.

Rakuten Posts First Operating Profit Since Mobile Launch

Rakuten Group reported an operating profit of 500 million yen for the quarter from July to September, marking a sharp turnaround from last year’s 54.4 billion yen loss and achieving its first quarterly profit in nearly four years.

Seven & i gets buyout proposal from new bidder

Seven & i Holdings says it has received a buyout proposal from a company linked to the founder of its Ito-Yokado supermarket chain. (NHK)

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Publishing Giant Penalized for Cutting Freelancer Fees

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has issued a recommendation to publishing giant KADOKAWA and its subsidiary, citing violations of the Subcontract Act over 'unjust price cutting' practices involving compensation paid to freelance writers and photographers.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Fender Teams Up with Hello Kitty for Special Guitar Line

Renowned guitar brand Fender has partnered with the beloved character Hello Kitty in a new collaboration.

< 2 3 4 5 >